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`Infertile' Cameroonian Women

Social Marginalization and Coping Strategies

Western Michigan University, USA, sweinger{at}yahoo.com

A small number of Cameroonian women spoke about the suffering they experience as `infertile' woman. Even though they raise children, they are still considered childless because of not producing biological offspring of their own. Assumed reasons for their `infertility' influence societal and self reactions. `Infertile' women are painfully aware of their need to be giving and acquiescent in order not to arouse the wrath of others. Still they receive derogatory comments and unfair societal demands, such as to work longer hours or share their money. These women explain the coping measures that they use in order to cope with this painful social marginalization.

Key Words: Cameroon • childlessness • gender • infertility • marginalization

Qualitative Social Work, Vol. 8, No. 1, 45-64 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1473325008100425


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